This article is written by Manali Mokal during her internship with Le Droit India.
Introduction
UPSC is a Constitutional Body under Article 315-323 Part XIV Chapter II of the Constitution of India to discharge their duties, functions and obligations assigned under Article 320. The UPSC conducts various examinations in accordance with the Rules of examination as notified by the Government of India in a just, fair and impartial manner for making a merit based selection and recommendation of candidates for various Group A and Group B Services of the Govt. of India.The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is a constitutional body in India responsible for conducting examinations and selecting candidates for various civil services positions.The UPSC was established on October 1, 1926, under Article 315 of the Indian Constitution. The commission’s primary objective is to ensure that the selection process for civil services is fair, transparent, and merit-based. The UPSC plays a crucial role in shaping the Indian bureaucracy and administrative system.
History of UPSC In India
In 1923, the British Government formed the Royal Commission on Superior Civil Services in India, chaired by Lord Lee of Fareham. The commission, composed of equal Indian and British members, submitted its report in 1924, proposing the establishment of a Public Service Commission. The Lee Commission recommended that 40% of entrants be British, 40% Indians directly recruited, and 20% Indians promoted from provincial services.Subsequently, the first Public Service Commission was founded on October 1, 1926, with Sir Ross Barker as its chairman. Initially, it had a limited advisory role, a point of contention for leaders of the freedom movement. This led to the creation of the Federal Public Service Commission under the Government of India Act 1935.Following independence, the Federal Public Service Commission was renamed the Union Public Service Commission and granted constitutional status under the Indian Constitution on January 26, 1950.
Constitutional Provisions for the Union Public Service Commission
The Indian Constitution contains a provision for such a body in Articles 315 to 323. As per Article 315 of the Indian Constitution, the Union Public Service Commission would be set up as a permanent body to make recruitment for numerous central government positions. According to Article 318, a Commission would be established with a chairman and a particular number of members.
The terms and conditions of the service of the chairman and members are to be determined by the President of India.As such, the President appoints the Chairman and other members of the commission for a six-year term.
Functions of the Union Public Service Commission
It conducts regular examinations for appointments to the union’s services, which comprise all India services, central services, and union territory public services.
It aids states in developing and implementing joint recruiting schemes for any services that require individuals with particular qualifications if two or more states request it.
On the following topics, it is consulted:
All concerns related to civil service recruitment and civil post recruitment.
The rules to be followed in arranging civil service and post appointments, as well as transfers and promotions from one service to another, as well as the candidates’ suitability for such appointments, transfers, and promotions.
All disciplinary proceedings involving a person serving in the civil services for the Government of India, including memorials or petitions pertaining to such matters.
Any claim for costs incurred by a government officer in defending judicial proceedings filed against him for acts done or reportedly done while performing his official duties.
Any claim for a pension in consideration of injuries sustained while serving in the Indian government, as well as any dispute over the amount of such an award.
Any personnel management concern is referred to it by the President of India.
The Parliament of India can give additional powers to the Union Public Service Commission over the services of the Union. It can also expand the UPSC’s role by bringing the recruitment system of any local government, other legal entity, or public institution under its jurisdiction.
It submits an annual report to the President of India regarding the functioning of the Union Public Service Commission. The President then presents the report to both Houses of Parliament, together with a note outlining the circumstances in which the commission’s recommendation was not accepted and why it was not accepted.
Recruitment Process
The UPSC examination process is known for its rigor and comprehensive nature. It follows a well-defined recruitment process that includes multiple stages to assess the knowledge, skills, and aptitude of candidates. Let’s take a closer look at the various stages involved in the UPSC examination process.
- Preliminary Examination: The Preliminary Examination, also known as the UPSC Prelims, is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination. It consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II (Civil Services Aptitude Test or CSAT). The purpose of the Prelims is to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination based on their performance in these papers.
The General Studies Paper I covers a wide range of subjects, including Indian history, geography, polity, economy, science and technology, environment, and current affairs. It tests the candidate’s understanding of these subjects and their ability to analyze and interpret information. The General Studies Paper II assesses the candidate’s comprehension, interpersonal skills, logical reasoning, and decision-making abilities.
- Main Examination: The Main Examination is the second stage of the UPSC examination process. It consists of nine descriptive papers, out of which seven are considered for ranking purposes. These papers are designed to evaluate the candidate’s depth of knowledge, analytical abilities, and writing skills.
The Main Examination covers a wide range of subjects, including essay writing, Indian languages, English language, general studies papers, and optional subjects. The essay paper requires candidates to write two essays on topics of national and international importance. The general studies papers cover subjects such as Indian heritage and culture, governance, social justice, international relations, ethics, integrity, and aptitude. The optional subjects allow candidates to choose a subject of their interest from a list provided by UPSC.
- Personality Test (Interview): The final stage of the UPSC examination process is the Personality Test, also known as the Interview. It is conducted by a board of competent and unbiased observers who assess the candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for a career in the civil services.
During the Interview, candidates are asked questions on a wide range of topics, including their educational background, work experience, current affairs, and personal interests. The purpose of the Interview is to evaluate the candidate’s suitability for a career in the civil services and to assess their ability to handle challenging situations.
Conclusion
The UPSC plays a vital role in the Indian administrative system, ensuring that the selection process for civil services is fair, transparent, and merit-based. Despite facing several challenges, the UPSC continues to maintain high standards for civil services recruitment, shaping the Indian bureaucracy and promoting good governance.
